The Take What led to the attempted assassination of a Colombian politician?
Jun 19, 2025
Juanita Goebertus Estrada, the Americas division director for Human Rights Watch, dives into the shocking attempted assassination of Colombian politician Miguel Uribe Turbay by a 15-year-old. She highlights the unsettling resurgence of political violence in Colombia and the implications for future elections. Goebertus discusses societal issues surrounding child recruitment by armed groups and stresses the urgent need for peace and protective measures to ensure democracy amid growing political polarization.
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Shooting at Campaign Rally
- Senator Miguel Uribe Turbay was shot at a campaign rally by an underage minor carrying a 9mm pistol.
- The attack shocked Colombia and evoked dark memories of past political violence.
Shooter's Motive Under Investigation
- The 15-year-old shooter was reportedly paid 20 million pesos by a drug network to kill Uribe Turbay.
- Four others are under investigation, possibly linked to Ecuador, but motives remain unclear.
Uribe Turbay's Family History
- Miguel Uribe Turbay is a young senator whose mother was kidnapped and killed by drug lord Pablo Escobar.
- His grandfather was a former president known for strict security laws against organized crime.